Boys Basketball: South Glens Falls set for rivalry game at Siena

SOUTH GLENS FALLS - When it comes to this boys basketball rivalry, it doesn't matter whether the game is being played in Glens Falls, South Glens Falls or on the moon, both sides just want to win.

So while Sunday's game at Siena College between the Bulldogs and the Indians will not be played at either of their home gyms - or the moon - it will not diminish its significance.

"This rivalry is pretty big," said Rick Buser, the Bulldogs' senior point guard. "There's a lot of trash talking on social networks. When you get the win you can have the bragging rights."

The Foothills Council rivals will line-up for a noon tip-off Sunday in first of five games being played at Siena's Alumni Recreation Center for the Coaches vs. Cancer High School Challenge. The $5 entry fee for the event goes towards the American Cancer Society.

It will be a big weekend for the Bulldogs even before Sunday's rivalry game. South Glens Falls was scheduled to host Johnstown Thursday night, but a broken water main at the school forced the game to be rescheduled to Saturday at 1 p.m. Depending on the outcome, and Glens Falls' game tonight against Gloversville, the Coaches vs. Cancer game could be for sole possession of second place in the Foothills Council. The Bulldogs (6-2, 7-5) won the last meeting between the schools 55-52 on Dec. 18.

"Our kids rose up to the challenge," South Glens Falls coach Al Vasak said of the road win. "It was one of the better games we've played this season. They shot the ball lights out."

Glens Falls (5-2, 6-4) was led by Cam Girard's seven three pointers and 28 points, but he was the only player in double figures for the hosts. Conversely, four South Glens Falls players scored in double figures led by Travis Ramsey with 16.

To make things even sweeter, the victory was also on the night the Glens Falls retired former star Jimmer Fredette's number.

"It was a crazy feeling (because) they'd beaten us year after year at my level," said Justin Ducey, the Bulldogs' starting forward. "Not to disrespect Jimmer but to show we're here and show people have to take us seriously."

South Glens Falls has been nearly perfect in league play since that win, only falling to Scotia-Glenville - the No. 8 ranked Class A team in the state - and to Queensbury on a buzzer-beater.

Playing in close games has also become a bit of a trademark of the Bulldogs. Coach Vasak's senior-laden squad has played in 10 games decided by six points or less and have a record of 6-4 in those games.

"The Foothills isn't getting all the coverage that it should because Scotia is so dominant," Vasak said. "Top to bottom it's a quality league. If you look at the box scores quarter to quarter, every game is close."

Although South Glens Falls had to give up a home game to play at Siena, Buser and Ducey believe the fans support from both teams will give the game the atmosphere it deserves.

"It will definitely feel the same with all their fans and all our fans," Buser said. "It's a big game and we definitely need to win this one."